Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie has publicly stated the confidence shown in him by manager Alan Pardew, as well as the £40million price-tag he has placed on the tricky forward's head, has made him work harder to prove himself as a result.
The 25-year-old DR Congo man is enjoying a rather impressive campaign with the Eagles, but despite this, is eager to prove his form over the past few months is not as a result of luck, but of hard work. He said: "The boys are bantering me [about the price tag] but I look at it as I need to work harder, I know I can do much better. I can create more goals and I definitely think I can score more. That is what I will be working on, and I can get stronger and faster.
I do not really listen to hype because it slows down people. I have been playing in the Premier League for two years but I am going to work hard to get those improvements. I am looking forward to next season to show people that this season was no fluke."
Bolasie was instrumental during their 3-1 away victory over Liverpool on Saturday afternoon, as he was a constant threat to the Reds' backline, giving the likes of Emre Can and Dejan Lovren a torrid time trying to contain him. He created two assists and hit the crossbar in a faultless performance before being brought off with ten minutes to play, to a standing ovation from the visiting supporters, appreciative of his efforts this season, especially having swiftly returned from African Cup of Nations duty and being eagerly ready to play more first-team minutes. Yannick added: "If I score goals and make more goals, then why can't I improve? Because I have got the strength and the skill."